An Abu Dhabi-based hospital specializing in serious and complex care has achieved a successful repair of a bile duct injury in an Emirati patient using an innovative robotic surgery system.
The 30-year-old patient was admitted to Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) exhibiting clinical features of bile duct injury, a rare complication that can occur following surgical procedures related to multiple gallstones and acute cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder). This condition has an incidence rate of three to six cases per thousand.
Radiological investigations, including CT scan and MRI, confirmed the bile duct injury. The patient underwent a scheduled repair procedure for the delayed bile duct injury, performed utilizing SSMC’s surgical robotic-assisted technology.
Dr. Salem Al Harthi, Consultant and Chair of the Surgery Department at SSMC, spearheaded the surgery, marking another notable advancement in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures.
“Utilizing cutting-edge technologies in robotic-assisted surgery, I executed precise surgical repairs through remarkably small incisions. Leveraging intra-venous dye, robotic magnification, and meticulous instrument control, we successfully navigated the complex anastomosis between the bile duct injury and the small bowel, situated in close proximity to the liver. The procedure demonstrated success even amidst the most challenging anatomical conditions,” Dr. Al Harthi elucidated while outlining the innovative approach.
Dr. Al Harthi emphasized that robotic-assisted surgery empowers surgeons to undertake highly intricate procedures with heightened precision and control.
“In this instance, it afforded our multidisciplinary surgical team an unparalleled visualization of the bile duct anatomy, enabling us to attain optimal outcomes for the patient.”
The patient fully recovered and was discharged within three days.
Dr. Abdulqader Almessabi, Acting Chief Medical Officer at SSMC, emphasized: “This significant milestone underscores SSMC’s dedication to harnessing cutting-edge technology, innovation, and expertise to deliver world-class healthcare services to our patients. It further highlights SSMC’s position as a center of excellence in healthcare, proudly leading the way in the UAE and the region in next-generation, personalized care.”
